How to Protect Your Cat from the Cold: A Guide to Winter Cat Care

Cats are not good with cold, and there's an image of them curling up in a kotatsu, isn't there?

Winter, with its cold and dry conditions, is a season when humans are prone to catching colds. Similarly, it's also a season when cats can easily fall ill. Even for indoor cats, it's important to pay attention to room temperature and humidity.

Therefore, this time, I'd like to explain in detail how to live in winter and take measures against the cold so that your cat can live comfortably.

Reasons Why Cats are Sensitive to Cold

A cat sleeping curled up on your lap. Cats in a huddle, all chaotic and cute. Just looking at them makes you feel incredibly happy, doesn't it?

With such fluffy cats, you might think they'd be strong against the cold... but most cats are sensitive to cold.

And it's no wonder. Cats' ancestors lived in deserts, so they don't like the cold. Exposure to cold can lead to cat flu, an upset stomach, and other health problems.

While cats with luxurious fur like the Norwegian Forest Cat are said to have adapted to the cold, cats living in Japan need protection from the cold. To keep your cat healthy, make sure to take proper measures against the cold.

What Temperature Do Cats Feel Cold At?

A cat's normal body temperature is approximately 38-39 degrees Celsius. This is slightly higher than a human's.

Therefore, the temperature at which cats feel comfortable is said to be 20-28 degrees Celsius. In summer, 26-30 degrees Celsius, and in winter, around 18-23 degrees Celsius are considered comfortable.

Especially kittens, senior cats, slender cats with less muscle mass, and cats with injuries or disabilities that limit their movement are sensitive to cold, so pay attention to the room temperature.

Signs That Your Cat is Feeling Cold

When your cat is feeling "cold," you may observe the following behaviors. Try to observe your cat's condition carefully.

Since humans and cats perceive temperature differently, a thermometer and hygrometer can be useful.

• Curling up their body
• Fluffing up their fur, making their body appear larger
• Hiding in shadows or burrowing under blankets
• Not moving from your lap or near heating appliances
• Not drinking water

Thorough Winter Cold Protection

When using heating appliances, safety is a concern. Considering the risks of burns and fires, using an air conditioner seems like a good idea, but I'm also concerned about it being too dry.

Let's consider the optimal cold weather measures, taking into account how to use heating appliances and their precautions.

Using an Air Conditioner

If the room temperature drops below 20 degrees Celsius, use an air conditioner. Set the heating mode to 20-22 degrees Celsius.

When using an air conditioner, do not close the room completely; allow the cat to move to other rooms. This way, if the cat feels "hot," it can find a comfortable place to move to on its own.

Also, since warm air gathers at the top of the room, it's a good idea to place a bed on a cat tower or shelf.

Using Hot Carpets or Underfloor Heating

Some cats dislike the wind from air conditioners. In such cases, try using a hot carpet or underfloor heating. If you place a blanket, they can burrow into it to keep warm even if they feel a bit cold.

Pet-specific "small heaters" and "cat kotatsu" are also convenient. Some even have temperature control functions, which prevents them from getting too hot, providing peace of mind.

However, there is a risk of "low-temperature burns," so avoid prolonged use or use when the owner is away.

Using Stoves or Fan Heaters

Kerosene stoves, ceramic fan heaters, halogen heaters, and oil heaters are convenient because they heat up quickly, but there are concerns about "fires" and "accidents."

It is essential to take thorough safety measures to prevent electrocution from chewing on power cords or burns. Avoid using them while the owner is away, and unplug the power cords.

Beware of Temperature Differences in Winter!

In the cold season, it's common to shiver uncontrollably when you step out of the bath into a chilly changing room, isn't it?

Winter is a season when we must be careful of "heat shock." Heat shock is when a sudden change in temperature causes a rapid change in blood pressure, putting a significant strain on the heart.

Heat shock is also dangerous for cats.

For example, be careful if there's a big temperature difference between the room they usually spend time in and their water dish or litter box, or if you turn off the heating when you're out or asleep.

Ideally, keep the air conditioner on even when you're out. When you're sleeping, use a small heater for pets, put a hot water bottle in their bed, or dress them in cat clothes to minimize temperature fluctuations.

Be careful of "dryness" and "dehydration" in winter.

When using heating appliances, also be aware of "dryness." Dry air can lead to concerns about infections like cat flu, cracked paw pads, and dry skin.

In winter, use a humidifier or wet towels to maintain humidity at 50-60%.

Also, some cats may resist drinking water if their water dish is in a cold spot. This can lead to urinary system problems and even dehydration, even in winter.

Try placing water dishes in warm spots, offering lukewarm water if the water is too cold, or providing wet food to help them get enough moisture.

Summary

Cats are not good with the cold of winter. It's very important to take proper measures to prevent your cat from shivering in the cold.

We recommend a combination of cold weather measures, effectively utilizing air conditioning, along with hot carpets, small pet heaters, blankets, hot water bottles, and cat clothes.

Observe your cat closely and create a comfortable environment so that both you and your cat can relax.

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